WR Cameron Dorner (North Texas)
6’1 195lbs # 88

If there’s a receiver that I believe could get guys nervous about their job security, it’s Cameron Dorner. His reliable hands, solid route running, and playmaking after the catch really stood out to me. He’s consistent and an artist when the ball is in his hands especially on crossing routes.
Cameron played with 2 solid QBs in college Tyson Bagent (currently on the Bears as a backup) and Drew Mestemaker (First season ever starting at QB, gained a ton of buzz after last year, and has now transferred to Oklahoma State University to showcase his abilities against higher-level competition). Both QBs heavily targeted and relied on Cameron throughout his college career. Before transferring to North Texas, Dorner also had experience handling kick returns at Shepherd University where he had a return for a TD. His college career stats 169 receptions 2312 yards 19 touchdowns.

Cameron Dorner from New Market, Maryland was a multi-sport athlete at Oakdale High School, lettering in football, basketball, and Track. Had a decorated high school career in multiple sports and showcased that he is a pure athlete. His first love was basketball but he knew he was also great at football, he wanted to go to a school that would allow him to do both so he chose Shepherd University where he played there for 3 years before making a leap transferring to North Texas and their high-powered offense that generated a lot of buzz last year making the collegiate rankings. Despite showcasing year after year his gifted athleticism, he didn’t get invited to the combine, he wasn’t invited to a bowl game out of the 3 major hosting groups (Senior, Shrine, Hula) Dorner was completely overlooked despite having 911 yards last year. He maintained a great attitude and stayed inspired to work and make this dream of playing in the NFL a reality, catching the attention of Patriots scouts at his Pro Day, leading to him getting the call to sign as a UDFA. This is the ultimate underdog story, and his attitude, his professionalism, and his mindset from what I observed in interviews leading up to the draft showcased a dedication that wherever he landed he would make the absolute most of every opportunity given and show why he belongs.

Cameron Dorner is my dark horse to make the roster.
Which may feel like a stretch to some but I see real craft in his playstyle reminiscent of Jalen Coker and sprinkle in some DeVonta Smith, year over year progression in his game in college. How I see his role if he were to make this team is an area of need that’s overlooked, as a kick returner. I mentioned at the top that what he does after the catch is exciting and fun to watch, his breakaway speed, ability to bounce off tackles, and his vision with the ball, returning to what he showcased at Shepherd. He may see passing downs later on and help in the short to intermediate areas of the field especially on crosser routes that we saw Mack Hollins own last season. It is a crowded room, to you the reader it may seem like a stretch and it could be, but as much as I learned about him the last few months I appreciate his efforts of making this dream a reality and he’s ready to keep his head down and let his actions on every rep do the talking. Pay closer attention to number 88 when it’s his rep.

If you enjoyed this write up I will be releasing my UDFA Blog next week on PatriotsDraftRoom.com
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